Veteran center Andrew Bogut has received a buyout from Philadelphia 76ers, which gives him an opportunity to join his preferred team. He has narrowed his options to Cleveland Cavaliers, Boston Celtics or Houston Rockets
The news about his buyout is announced by Philadelphia 76ers on Monday night, Feb, 27, USA Today reported. He has narrowed down his option to three teams that he will join, Cleveland Cavaliers, Boston Celtics or Houston Rockets.
There is high possibility that he will go to Cleveland to strengthen the front court of the defending champion in the championship race. However, Boston Celtics also has a big confidence to sign him, Boston Globe reported.
Bogut is currently playing for his 12th season in the NBA. The Australian center was drafted in 2005 NBA Draft by Milwaukee Bucks as the first overall pick. He soon showed his tenacity as the strong defender and rim protector in Milwaukee. He averaged 9.4 points and 7.0 rebounds per game in his first season with the Bucks.
His power play on court had made him prone to injury. In 2010, as the season near the end he fell and twisted his arm after a powerful dunk in the game against Phoenix Suns in April. He suffered a broken hand, dislocated elbow and sprained wrist, which ended his 2009-10 season short.
The 7’0” center was traded to Golden State Warriors in 2012 with Steve Jackson. Prior to his trade, he suffered a spurs in his ankle and he had to undergo surgery. However, he became the dominant force in the Warriors’ front court and helped the team to win the 2015 NBA Champion.
Following another injury in his left knee, he had to be sidelined for the 2016 NBA Finals. The Warriors lost to Cavaliers 4-3 and subsequently he was traded to Dallas Mavericks in the off-season.
Last week, Mavericks traded Bogut for center Nerlens Noel from the Philadelphia 76ers. The 32-year-old realizes that his age will not allow him to compete with much younger players in Philadelphia, so he requested a buyout.
As he has secured the buyout on Monday, he now has the option to join the team of his choice. Watch his long and winding journey in the NBA below: